Valentine’s Day in Europe

Valentine’s Day has regional traditions in the UK. In Norfolk, a character called ‘Jack’ Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person. In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen on January 25 instead of or as well as St Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.

Love is like a cloud
Love is like a dream
Love is one word
And everything in between
Love is a fairytale come true
I found love when I found you

In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine’s Day is known simply as “Saint Valentin”, and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries. In Spain Valentine’s Day is known as “San Valentín” and is celebrated the same way as in the U.K, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s Day). In Portugal it’s more commonly referred to as “Dia dos Namorados” (Boy/Girlfriend’s Day).

It takes more then lace and ribbons
And lovely verses too,
To make a Valentine
Thats nice enough for you
It takes a world of special thoughts
Tucked into every line
And that’s exactly what you’ll find
Inside this Valentine

In Denmark and Norway, Valentine’s Day (14th Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but many people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag (“All Hearts’ Day”) and was launched in the 1960’s by the flower industry’s commercial interests due to the influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only exceeded by those for Mother’s Day. In Finland Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s Day”. As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.

I’ve come over all funny
But that’s your effect on me
It’s cos I love you more than....
...a dog loves a tree
...a lumberjack loves a cucumber snack
...a fish loves staying wet
.... Romeo loved Juliet
...an aardvark loves ants
I’ve a stirring in me...
...mind

In Estonia Valentine’s Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has a similar meaning. In Slovenia, a proverb says that “St Valentine brings the keys of roots,” so on February 14th, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other, or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally March 12, the Saint Gregory’s Day. Another proverb says “Valentin - prvi spomladin” (“Valentine — first saint of spring”), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.

I’ve told everyone I love you
There’s no one I didn’t tell
Why, I even told the vicar
And he toll’d the bell

In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag (“dear”), which can also be found in the word dragoste (“love”). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine’s Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, reputable persons and institutions, but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreapta, who condemn Valentine’s Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch. Valentine’s Day is called Sevgililer Günü in Turkey, which translates into “Sweethearts’ Day”.